Frowning, I twist completely in my seat to stare at him. “What do you—?”
“You haven’t been yourself since your mom came back into the picture. This is the first time I’ve seen you this … relaxed in a long ass time.”
I stroke his thigh. “I’m always happy with you. You know that.”
“Careful,” he warns in a sexy growl. “You’re gonna change the course of our night real fast doing shit like that.” He closes his fingers around mine, dragging my hand up several inches. He leaves it to rest on his chest, where his heartbeat thumps steadily beneath the fabric of his shirt.
I start to speak, but then he pulls into a circular driveway, stopping and turning off the ignition once we’re in front of a large brick house that’s still decorated in festive red and green. I let the bright, cheery Christmas lights dazzle me for a few moments before asking Lucas, “Another one of your colleague’s parties?” He moves his head slightly, and I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, staring down at what I’m wearing. “Should I have dressed up? It looks like we’re early, so maybe we should go back to my room to—”
He gathers my face in his, pulling me close to him, and I breathe him in. “Relax, Si. You’re perfect. You always have been.”
His response only makes me worry more as we walk to the front door together, but he gives me a reassuring smile as we step into the luxurious house. To my surprise, it’s utterly quiet. And empty, with no furniture, photos or decor in sight. Touching his finger to my lips to quiet the question burning the tip of my tongue, he takes my hand in his and guides me through the house.
“I know we’ve wondered a lot about where we’d live after everything was said and done, but there’s no rule saying we have to stay in one place, Si. We’ve got my place in L.A. and the vacation house in the mountains, but I wanted a home where your heart is too.”
“Lucas,” I start, my breath catching in my throat as we turn the corner and enter the kitchen.
He leads me closer to the center island, where there’s a piece of paper waiting next to a couple of keys. My heart feels like it’s in my throat as he nudges me closer. I read the brief note slowly, squeezing his hand so tightly it’s a wonder I don’t break his fingers.
I adore you, Sienna. So much that I’ll probably write a hundred more songs about you before it’s all said and done. Let’s start here. Merry late Christmas and happy early New Year, Red. I love you.
“Lucas, did you buy this house?” I question, my voice sounding a million miles away.
“Yes,” he answers without missing a beat. “It was supposed to be a Christmas present for you, but closing was delayed and—”
I launch myself into his arms, and silently, he holds me close. Everything he said earlier about having a night in suddenly makes sense, and when I pull away from him, I can feel tears prickling the corners of my eyes.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I say, but he shakes his head.
“I wouldn’t have done it any other way. Welcome home, Sienna.”
-The End-
Want more Lucas and Sienna? Meet them today in book one of the Devoured series, All Over You. Available from Simon and Schuster on all major book channels.
THE DEVOURED SERIES:
All Over You
Devoured
Absorbed
Consumed
DEVOURED STANDALONES:
Savor You
THE FRICTION STANDALONES:
Friction
Distraction
THE DELANEY BROTHERS SERIES:
His Pawn
This Love (Book 1 of Love Hurts)
Love Hurts (Book 2 of Love Hurts)
THE SECOND VERSE DUET:
First Verse
Second Verse
STANDALONES:
Tidal
Wrecked
Uncovered
Thrust Under (with Michelle Valentine)
Emily Snow is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of erotic, new adult, and contemporary romance. She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about all three. She lives in Virginia with her husband, children, and one very energetic Yorkie-Poo. Look for Emily on Facebook or visit her on Twitter @emilysnowbks to chat all things books.
Kimber
“Mornin.” I open my eyes just in time to catch a glimpse of Aiden’s naked ass before he steps into the shower. I can’t help the smile that takes over my face as I stretch across the sheets and slide my legs off the edge of the bed.
He knows I’ll be in right behind him. It’s our thing when he stays over… which is every night he’s not doing security for the Rebel Walking group. He’s hired other guys to handle any of the other gigs they get called for. I’ve loved watching his company take off while he gets to enjoy life a little with me.
I don’t say a word as I slide the glass door open and step in behind him. He’s lathered up my pink scrubber and has no shame as he slides it over his muscles, leaving a trail of soap in its path. His sexy smirk is what pulls me in first, so I slip in front of him and kiss it away.
His deep moan and the twitch of his cock confirm what I already knew would happen. He grabs my ass and lifts me without effort putting me in position around his waist; the tip of his dick sitting at my entrance just waiting for him to thrust forward.
“God, I want this with you every day.” He slides in slowly. “Fucking move in with me.” I close my eyes and roll my head back just as he hits me deep, not being able to respond with words.
It feels too good when we’re like this to have a serious conversation and I know he’s aware of what he’s doing. He knows everything there is to know about me. How to make me crazy in every way. How to make me smile and what to do with me on those bad days where I just feel like breaking down and crying.
He gets me completely and that’s something I’ve truly never had before. We’ve been together a little over a year now and I’ve fallen more in love with this man than I ever thought I could.
He’s still trying to get me to move back to Missouri to live with him, but I’ve refused him every single time. At first it was just to keep my distance from Luke and his new life… but now that doesn’t seem like a good enough excuse for Aiden. He’s still pressing for me to agree to move in with him, which that part really isn’t the problem. It would be putting me smack dab in the middle of a part of my past that I’m not sure I should get mixed up with again. It’s been the topic of my deep thoughts for a while now.
Luke is still somewhat of an awkward situation. I still have a love for him… but it’s nothing compared to what I feel for Aiden. I guess there’ll always be a special place in my heart for Luke but we’ve been doing well as friends. He calls to check on me often and I even answer him now. I even find myself smiling when he video calls me so I can see his little boy. But living in the same town as him would be a much different situation. I’m not sure that would be good for any of us.
Lilly is still amazingly perfect for Luke and if I had to do it all over again, I’d walk away from Luke again a thousand times to see the smile on his face that only he gives her. They’re meant for each other and it only took me a few weeks to realize everything worked out for the best… even for me.
Aiden rolls his hips, pressing me harder against the wall and pulling me out of my own head and back into this moment where nothing else matters. He leans forward, lining his forehead up with mine at the same time his piercing stare catches my attention.
He slows his movements now that he has me literally wrapped around him giving my full attention. “I’m gonna need you to say yes to that real fuckin’ quick.” His cock slips in and out maybe an inch as he continues to talk. “I have everything ready for us to move in together. Just come see for yourself.” He pulls his forehead from mine giving me about an inch of breathing room just before he thrusts deep once again.
“Talk later.” I exhale just as he pins me against the wall with his dick once again. I u
se my nails to scrape across his back and pull him in close once again. With one arm leaning on the wall beside my head and his other hand gripping my ass, he finally stops talking and gives us both the release we’ve grown accustomed to.
His breath is hot against my ear as his body spasms through his orgasm, leaving the proof of our time together dripping from where we’re connected.
We’re long past condoms. Follow up appointments with my doctor were very convincing that I’ll never be able to have children. Talk about a hard pill to swallow.
I used it as an excuse to push away from Aiden about three months ago, but he refused to let me go even knowing he’d never be able to have children if we stayed together. I couldn’t decide whether to be broken hearted about the news or feel completely fulfilled in my relationship with the man that has truly accepted me for the person I am… flaws and all.
His bite on my bottom lip and the way he kisses me long after we’re done is a true example of the play and passion this man displays to me every second we’re together. I can’t see my life without him, and for that reason alone, I’m ready to take a big step with him. I just haven’t told him that yet. I guess you can say I want to see his face when I finally give in.
“Come home with me for Christmas… let me show you what I’ve had done and then make your decision.” I knew he’d ask me to spend the holidays with him. He tried to get me to go to his family’s house last year, but I wasn’t ready to deal with everything and everyone that we will come across. He didn’t allow me to spend the time alone though and I felt terrible about keeping him from his family, even though I begged him to go without me.
“When do we leave?” I watch the look on his face switch from serious to extreme happiness with just four words. He fills both of his palms with my ass cheeks and walks us both out of the shower without a care in the world while water and soap drip all over the floor.
“I’ll call the airline as soon as I’m finished with you.”
Aiden
“My sister went a little crazy when I told her we’d be there.” Macy has been trying to get me to bring her home for months.
“I knew she’d be excited. She’s been calling me every day, making sure I know I’m considered family and would always be welcome.”
“What can I say… they probably like you better than they do me.” She smiles as I thread my fingers between hers and we both begin to walk toward the front of the airport.
“That’s what Macy said a few times.” I take in her smile and allow her to tease me. I love this playful side of Kimber. It took her a while to get comfortable enough in our relationship to let it out, but I’m fucking grateful to see that shift in her.
I’ve done everything I possibly could to be patient with Kimber, knowing she needed the space and time to get through the tough hand she’s been dealt. What once was a deep attraction and connection to a woman I felt inclined to protect is now something I have never experienced in my life.
I love Kimber and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. It took me a bit to get her to realize I’m not going anywhere and I knew that would be my biggest challenge, but she’s worth the effort.
She’s a determined person… but so am I. Luckily for me I also have patience on my side.
“She said the entire Rebel Walking crew wants to see us tonight at Smitty’s.” And just like that the smile falls from her face and I regret saying anything about it. I can almost see her thoughts spinning in her mind with each step we take.
“Maybe I should just let you go.” And with that I stop us both in the middle of the airport, causing people to have to maneuver around us and not caring one fucking bit that I’m in their way.
“If you don’t want to go, we won’t go. End of story.” She seems to think there’s some fucking way I can have two separate lives and never mix it all up, which I have done since got together. What she doesn’t understand is… she’s part of that crew herself. There’s not a single one of them that doesn’t constantly ask about her, even the Walker men want to know that she’s taking time for herself to heal. It’s that protective nature we all seem to have. I guess that’s why we’re all such good friends and it seems more like a chosen family than anything else.
“I don’t want to keep you from your friends.”
“I want to spend the entire time with you.” I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like with work being so busy, but I’ve been managing at least a once a week flight to see her.
“Okay.” I sense a look of defeat in her reaction, but choose to ignore it for the time being. There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll feel the love of the group again the second they know we’re here. Eaven and Ivy have never been known for their subtle behavior, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we have a welcome crew right outside these doors.
Just as that thought flashes through my mind… I see the girls all standing with signs waiting for us to arrive. ‘Here for Future Mrs. Cowboy’ is what I see first. I can feel the grin on my face just thinking of that possibility. I just need her to accept this side of my life too before I can officially ask her for the forever that I have every intention of giving her.
She pauses for a second before she smiles and holds her arms out to the screaming trio headed straight for us. Macy hugs her first, followed by Eaven and Ivy. All three of them wrapping her into one giant embrace of squeals and tears.
“Don’t you ever refuse to come home with Aiden again.” Macy immediately starts in on Kimber even though I know she’s had many conversations on the phone about it.
“In fact, we’d really just rather you never leave.” Eaven takes the opportunity and jumps right in with Macy to work on my girl. That’s right ladies… keep this up and it’ll make my job much easier convincing her to agree to what I have planned.
“I mean really. How could you not want to spend every single minute with these bitches.” Ivy glances over her shoulder at me, giving a wink before she circles back around and slides her arm under Kimber’s.
She knows what she’s doing… they all do. They’ve all been foaming at the bit to have her in their little clutches. I’m actually surprised they gave her this much time. I figure the conversation I had with Ivy last week is what sparked all of this.
I walk behind the four of them, carrying our luggage and smiling like I just won the fucking lottery.
Kimber
“You’re coming with us, girl. Don’t you even think about escaping our girl’s day out.” I look over at Aiden and can’t help but love the smile spread across his face. This is what he’s been hoping would happen for a long time now and I hate myself for not agreeing to come back with him until now.
“Go say goodbye to your beefcake back there, we brought his truck so we can have you all to ourselves. You can see him later. We have a day full of spas and shopping that’ll keep you busy until we all meet up with the guys tonight.”
I make my way back to Aiden just as he’s lifting our luggage into the back of his truck. He wraps me into his arms the second I’m close enough. There really wasn’t enough time in the world to prepare me for those girls and all of their excitement. They make me forget all of the things that’ve kept me away from here for so long.
“That was quite the welcome committee. Did you sick them on me?”
“Didn’t have to. That’s what they do.” He’s so matter-of-fact with his tone that I lift up on my tip toes and give him a quick kiss.
“I guess I’ll see you later tonight.” My gut churns when I think about seeing everyone together, but I guess there’s really no way to avoid it without making a huge deal about it and then I’d have them all in my ear about how much I belong here with all of them.
The truth is… I don’t really know where I belong. I’ve been soul-searching for over a year now and have proven to myself that I can be independent and still survive. Aiden gave me enough space to allow me to get there and for that I love him even more. It takes a strong man to give a woman enough space t
o figure out what she really wants when her life is a complete disaster.
“I’ll pick you up sometime in town before all of that is supposed to happen. Just have fun and enjoy your day. I can’t say I’m disappointed about having you all to myself tonight.” He squeezes my ass and with that the girls begin to whistle and cat-call like teenagers.
“Fuck yeah, Cowboy. Get her right here in front of all the people coming and going.” Ivy screams out and isn’t the slightest bit reserved about how loud she’s talking or how much attention she’s drawing. We both start laughing as I quickly step away from Aiden and his greedy huge hands.
“Not so fast. I like her way of thinkin’.” Before I have a chance to realize what’s about to happen, he’s leaning over and tossing me over a shoulder so that he could carry me to their car, all the while gripping my ass and walking with the swagger only he could get away with.
I finally give in and stop the loud repeals just before I take advantage of the view. His ass has always been the best ass I’ve ever laid my eyes on. For sure the best I’ve ever had my hands on. The best part is… he knows just how sexy it is and he’s not afraid to use it to get what he wants out of me. It’s that playful side I’ve grown to love.
He makes a scene sliding me down the front of his body, not missing his chance to grab and kiss me as he does. He sets me on my feet just before he gives me one last kiss.
“Okay, okay. Enough of this over the top kissy shit. She’ll be fine for a few hours without your dick giving her air. You’ve kept her to yourself for long enough. Go find the boys, Cowboy. We love ya… but you’re not welcome with us today.” Ivy pulls on my arm just as she sends Aiden into a fit of laughter. I forgot just how feisty she is, but I find myself loving it all over again.
“Ya’ll, don’t have too much fun without me today.”
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